UI Star Publication

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐨𝐩, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐗𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone as students donned their white coats, received their pins, and celebrated the beginning of a new chapter of service, compassion, and dedication in the medical field.

Congratulations to all our future frontliners!

—

Photos by: Lawrence Tayhopon

𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬 𝐢𝐧 "𝑺𝒂 𝑳𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒓 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒈: 𝑨 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑫𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒚𝒍𝒆"

"𝑆𝑎 𝐿𝑢𝑔𝑎𝑟 𝐿𝑎𝑛𝑔: 𝐴 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑢𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝐿𝑖𝑓𝑒, 𝐿𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑖ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑑, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿𝑖𝑓𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒" brought together over 250 young leaders, students, and advocates on May 16, 2026, at the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Iloilo Council Headquarters to engage in meaningful conversations on pressing social realities alongside 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬.

Organized by 𝐃𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐀 – 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐦 in partnership with 𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑑𝑜 𝑀𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑤𝑎 and in coordination with the 𝑂𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑅𝑖𝑠𝑎 𝐻𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑠, the event emphasized that regional youth are not merely spectators of national issues but active contributors to the country’s democratic discourse. “𝑆𝑎 𝐿𝑢𝑔𝑎𝑟 𝐿𝑎𝑛𝑔” provided a safe and meaningful space where young people could openly articulate their experiences, struggles, and aspirations in a city navigating rapid urbanization, political polarization, and economic change.

The dialogue revolved around three key pillars that shape the contemporary Ilonggo youth experience: 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞.

One recurring narrative discussed during the forum was the common sentiment often directed at younger generations: “𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ 𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑘, 𝑢𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒.” However, the participants challenged this perspective by highlighting the strengths of today’s generation.

“𝑈𝑛𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠, 𝑤𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑦𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑧𝑒, 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑒 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔,” shared one youth advocate. “𝑊𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑒.”

For many participants, vulnerability, empathy, and speaking out against injustice are not signs of weakness, but manifestations of a different kind of strength—one grounded in compassion, integrity, and social awareness.

A simple but impactful activity titled y
“𝑃𝑢𝑡 𝑎 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝐷𝑜𝑤𝑛” further illustrated the diverse realities experienced by young Filipinos. Participants lowered a finger for every struggle or experience that applied to them. As the activity progressed, visible differences emerged: some participants were left with only a few fingers raised, reflecting repeated hardships and systemic barriers, while others retained more fingers, symbolizing greater privilege, safety, and opportunity.

The exercise became a powerful visual representation of inequality among the youth. While some young people grow up with access and opportunities readily available, others must work significantly harder just to be heard and recognized.

Despite these differences, the participants shared one common ground: hope. They expressed hope that every voice would be heard and that the stories and struggles carried through their words and advocacy would not go unanswered.

This collective aspiration was affirmed in the closing message delivered by Senator Hontiveros, who reminded the audience that meaningful change takes time.

“𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑠𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦, 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠—𝑝𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒 𝑛𝑎 𝑦𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔—𝑖𝑡’𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑖𝑡, 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑘𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖-𝑘𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖,” she shared.

Her message resonated deeply with the youth in attendance, reinforcing the idea that progress is not a race but a continuous process built through patience, perseverance, and collective action. The forum ultimately reminded participants that meaningful change begins with learning, understanding, and remaining steadfast in the pursuit of what is right.

Those gathered at “Sa Lugar Lang” are prime examples of what the youth of today represents—sensitive yet strong, diverse yet united, and fully committed to the spirit of pagkakaisa. They may not carry the same battles as the generations before them, but they carry the same love for country. And in their own way, with their own hearts and minds, they are building a better nation—one brave choice, one shared hope, one good thing at a time.

The event was held in collaboration with various local organizations and student groups, including Girls Act Philippines-Iloilo Chapter, Kabataan sa Kartilya ng Katipunan-Iloilo Chapter, FPOP Iloilo Youth, JCI Regatta, UP Sakdag, The UI Star Publication, PHINMA University of Iloilo Student Council, WVSU University Student Alliance, WVSU Student Council, WIT Student Government, CPU Psych Soc, The Order of Asclepius, Peer Facilitator’s Circle—PHINMA UI, and the Daily Guardian.

—

Written by: Glezelle Jareol
Photos by: Anthony Bueno and Helia Francisco

Labor Day is a reminder that progress is never accidental—it is built through the sweat, patience, and determination of millions of workers who keep society moving forward. Behind every comfort we enjoy is someone who worked for it, often silently and without recognition.

Today is a call to appreciate not just the results of labor, but the people behind it. May this day remind us to value fairness, dignity, and respect in every workplace.

Salute to all workers who continue to push through challenges every single day.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲!

—

Pubmat: Paul Christian

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐨!

Though this greeting comes a little late, the appreciation and gratitude we have for you are always right on time.

As our Managing Editor, your leadership, dedication, and sharp eye for excellence continue to inspire the entire team. You don’t just guide stories—you shape voices, elevate standards, and bring out the best in all of us.

May this year bring you even more success, growth, and moments worth celebrating.

Belated cheers to you!

—

Pubmat: Paul Christian

𝐘𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘 | 𝐂.𝐀.𝐑.𝐄. 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

The University's Mini Park has become a vibrant place to enjoy peace with Creating Awareness Reaching Awareness Day (C.A.R.E Day), a two-day event aimed at promoting mental health awareness, personal well-being, and community connection.

From yesterday until today (April 29-30), the Peer Facilitator Circle (PFC) structured the event with initiative features and activity zones designed to guide participants through different aspects of care— from self-reflection to social engagement and global awareness.

The event with a mix of reflective, interactive, and educational activities, describes an opportunity for students to step away from academic pressures and reconnect that nurtures both individual growth and collective awareness.

-

Prepared by: Vincent Tarde Dichoso

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 | 𝐃𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐀 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐮𝐛 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩

From April 24–26, DAKILA gathered 30 passionate youth leaders at the LS Training Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City for 𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝐻𝑢𝑏 2026—a flagship leadership program designed to ignite purpose and action.

Representing PHINMA University of Iloilo were 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐳𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫, 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐥, 𝐒𝐡𝐳𝐲𝐦 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚, 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐨, and 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐋𝐲𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐚 alongside fellow youth leaders.

The program provided a platform for youth leaders to engage in discussions, nation-building activities, and mentorship sessions focused on leadership and social involvement.

Amid ongoing national challenges—ranging from economic pressures and educational gaps to issues of governance, social equity, and the continuing call for justice and accountability—initiatives like Heroes Hub highlight the critical role of the youth in shaping an informed, active, and empowered community.

As the program concludes, the youth are called to rise as changemakers—transforming insight into action and leading the pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.

—

Photos from: DAKILA ILOILO COLLECTIVE

A new wave of student leadership rises with the introduction of 𝐉𝐉𝐂 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐄 – 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨, a school-based youth initiative under JJC Philippines in Iloilo City.

Anchored in PRIME—𝑃𝑒𝑒𝑟-𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡—the organization highlights the power of youth-led action in driving inclusive and impactful community engagement. As the first JJC affiliation in the PHINMA Education Network, it sets a precedent for cultivating leadership within the campus and beyond.

Follow their official page for more updates!

Prime in Action, Purpose in Service.

—

A little late, but the recognition remains just as meaningful.

Congratulations to Lovely Palis for being honored as one of Iloilo’s Outstanding Students of 2026!

Your passion, leadership, and commitment truly stand out.

Padayon!

—

Pubmat by: Vincent Tarde Dichoso

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: 𝐒𝐞𝐧. 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 “𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤 – 𝐀 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐫” 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐌𝐀 𝐔𝐈

On April 15, the University Library welcomed guests for the launch of “𝐵𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑘 – 𝐴 𝑀𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑟” by Senator Franklin M. Drilon, bringing together students, faculty, and distinguished guests for an afternoon of reflection and dialogue.

Highlights included an engaging conversation with the author, an open forum, and a book signing session.

-

Photos by: Lawrence Bill Tayhopon

A star congratulations to Pamela Jane Florencio, our Managing Editor, for being an awardee of TOSIA (The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards) 2026.

Your success is a testament that your hardwork and dedication can serve as a guiding beacon. The UI Star family are proud of you — continue to shine as the star!

-

Prepared by: Vincent Tarde Dichoso